Memory of late Shri Rajiv Gandhi’s luminous personality illuminates us and paves path for us. Shri Rajiv Gandhi may not be amongst us today, but as a popular mass leader and Prime Minister, the recognition and stature he brought to India in the international world by guiding the country on the path of development, is inscribed as a gilded chapter on the pages of history. He played a special role in making India a modern, prosperous and powerful nation.

Shri Rajiv Gandhi was a politician committed to the overall development of India who made meaningful efforts to propel India on the path of rapid progress. Shri Rajiv Gandhi was a tall figure. Nationalism was a major part of his psyche. The spirit of ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava’ (Harmony of all the religions) was ingrained in his mind. His deepest being was a highly refined combination of tradition and modernity.

Shri Rajiv Gandhi was a true democrat, a man who was always open to new ideas and constructive criticism. Whatever role he played as an MP, Prime Minister, Congress President and Leader of the Opposition, he left an indelible mark of his efficiency everywhere.

Shri Rajiv Gandhi believed that India has always been in favour of moral values of – ‘Truth, Non-violence and Humanity. In fact, he aspired to take the country on the path of all-round development through better coordination with these moral values. Undoubtedly, he was an example of ‘Sadbhavana’ (goodwill).

Both - Shri Rajiv Gandhi’s vision and direction against communalism - were very clear. Shri Rajiv Gandhi constantly struggled against the regressive forces, hatred, terrorism, illiteracy and poverty. An advocate of secularism, Shri Rajiv Gandhi was a pioneer of non-violence, harmony and peace. Shri Rajiv Gandhi considered national unity and harmony as the cornerstone of the country’s cultural identity and glorious heritage. He wanted to free the country from the narrow circle of caste, religion and sect. He wanted to wreathe India into a bouquet of mutual harmony that would continue to progress towards its destination of development along with Reformation by following the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru and Smt. Indira Gandhi. Shri Rajiv Gandhi never indulged in politics of revenge or hatred. The word ‘Hatred’ didn’t probably exist in his dictionary.

Shri Rajiv Gandhi was in favour of continuous dialogue in politics. He believed that trust cannot be created without dialogue and politics cannot run without trust. He signed the Punjab, Assam and Mizoram agreements implementing the politics of this mutual dialogue, which put an end to the turmoil, unrest and violent activities going on in these regions for years which led to thousands of separatist-extremists joining the mainstream of society. He took decisions considering national interest as paramount rather than party interest.

Listening to everyone and taking everyone along was the biggest feature of Shri Rajiv Gandhi’s personality. He used to look after the problems of the common people very carefully and then used to work towards solving them by giving right directions. This was his methodology.

Shri Rajiv Gandhi was the first facilitator of information technology in India. The ‘Digital India’ that is being talked about in the whole country today, its foundation stone has been laid by Shri Rajiv Gandhi himself. He pioneered the communication revolution. He became the father of computer revolution in the country. Shri Rajiv Gandhi believed that the future of India lay in science and technology. He considered high technology as a tool for poverty alleviation. He envisioned India so advanced, which could be improved only through information technology. Our technology has not only been accepted by the developed nations but its high quality has been appreciated globally. Apart from this, he promoted new programmes in the fields of biotechnology, atomic energy, environment etc. Various technology missions were formed for progress in the field of drinking water, food grains, telecommunication, agriculture and industrial sectors also.

Shri Rajiv Gandhi had true sympathy for the poor. He was eager to establish a society in which everyone could live their life equally and with self-respect.

Shri Rajiv Gandhi made a bold effort to understand the challenges of the times and take the country forward accordingly. He had full faith in the abilities and wisdom of the youth. Shri Rajiv Gandhi ensured their participation in power by giving the youth the right to vote at the age of 18.

Shri Rajiv Gandhi believed that farmers are the backbone of our country. The progress of the country is not possible without the progress of agriculture. Shri Rajiv Gandhi made a provision for more capital investment in agriculture in the Seventh Five Year Plan. He emphasized on better use of water resources to increase productivity in agriculture. As a result of this, there was a record production of food grains during his Prime Ministership. Shri Rajiv Gandhi reviewed the Green Revolution and found that the production of wheat has increased significantly due to the Green Revolution, but the expected improvement has not been made in the field of oilseeds and pulses. He created the Oilseeds Technology Mission to increase the production of oilseeds. National Project for Pulses was also launched.

In whatever role Bharat Ratna Shri Rajiv Gandhi played in his impeccable, public and political life, he emerged with flying colours. Shri Rajiv Gandhi left an indelible impression of a popular leader in the public mind.

The life of such a ‘Yug Purush’, his martyrdom and memories will always be a source of inspiration for the country. Taking inspiration from the ideals of Shri Rajiv Gandhi and carrying his thoughts to every nook and corner of the country will be our true tribute to Shri Rajiv Gandhi.

(The author has been the Minister of State for Defense Production, Personnel and Parliamentary Affairs in the Government of India)